New residential construction projects are underway in the city's historic Pleasant Ridge Neighborhood for the first time in two decades.
Charlestown, Indiana - May 3rd, 2021 - Residential housing development is booming in Charlestown. In 2020 the city issued 165 permits for new home construction and the trend continues in 2021 with 67 new construction permits issued in the first quarter. In March, two of those new permits were issued in Pleasant Ridge, marking the beginning of long anticipated revitalization of the historic neighborhood. It’s been 20 years since a new home has been built in Pleasant Ridge.
Initial efforts to motivate revitalization in the neighborhood began in 2000 when the city partnered with New Hope Services, Inc. to build five new homes. Since that time several other homes in the area have been renovated, with numbers increasing dramatically over the last year as vacant lots were cleared and lingering lawsuits over private property rights were put to rest.
Developers are now breaking ground on new construction and are hopeful that the neighborhood will witness a restoration that blends with the existing historic aesthetic.
New construction has begun on Kenwood Avenue, off of the main entrance to the neighborhood at Clark Road. Infinity Homes and Development LLC is currently building homes designed to flow with existing architecture in the neighborhood. At 1,050 – 1,250 sq ft, these three-bedroom, two bath homes are targeted toward first time homebuyers or families and individuals looking to downsize to more maintenance friendly residences.
Matt Toole, President of Infinity Homes and Development, LLC said “We're excited to be a part of the historical redevelopment of Pleasant Ridge.” Toole believes the city is in a “pivotal point in history” and said, “Infinity is honored to be a part of this milestone and the success of Charlestown.”
Toole anticipates Infinity’s homes will be available for new residents by early July and that pricing will range from the mid $170,000's to $220,000's.
In addition to Infinity’s construction along Kenwood, two other development groups have purchased lots in Pleasant Ridge and are beginning new construction projects. Development will begin in the coming months on Winthrop Avenue with New Hope Development Services, Inc. (NHDS) planning to build on 10 vacant lots. NHDS will also market to first time homebuyers and working families.
KGF Building & Development has purchased three lots on Crestview Court with an option to purchase three more, and anticipates breaking ground in May on 1,250 sq ft, three-bedroom, two bath homes with attached garages and anticipated price points under $200,000.
“As locals that live here in Charlestown, we are excited to develop in Pleasant Ridge to help Charlestown be a better place for our friends, family, and co-workers to live and grow up,” said Isaiah Fritz, Founder and CEO of KGF Building & Development. Fritz said he is eager to meet people who already live in Pleasant Ridge, adding, “we are excited to take this historic neighborhood and bring new life and neighbors into it.”
“Redevelopment of Pleasant Ridge has been a challenge for our community, and I believe this wave of new construction offers the momentum we needed to restore the neighborhood,” said Charlestown Mayor Treva Hodges.
“Previous plans that demanded complete destruction and removal of all homes and residents were simply unrealistic. What we see now is that redevelopment can blend with existing homeowners who love and have cared for their homes. This development plan reflects the respect for private property rights that I promised to uphold. My office has worked diligently with the developers over the last year to ensure lots were cleared and ready to begin this next phase. I’m thrilled to see top quality home builders stepping up to revive Pleasant Ridge.”
Residents in the neighborhood are also excited to see new construction on vacant lots.
Long-term residents David and Ellen Keith said that the new construction brings them “peace of mind,” adding that they look forward to seeing development “where old and new can merge into the family friendly neighborhood we have always had.”
Resident and former City Council member Tina Barnes who openly resisted efforts to demolish every home in the name of redevelopment, said “It is a wonderful sight to see new affordable construction being done in PR.” Barnes looks forward to seeing the return of the “family-oriented neighborhood” and thinks the convenience of the public library and elementary schools offer significant appeal for those looking to settle.
For more information on the exciting development taking place in Charlestown’s Pleasant Ridge neighborhood, please contact Mayor Treva Hodges at 502-297-4390, or by email to Mayor@CityofCharlestown.com.
For inquiries related to shots or video footage, please email Leah Lowe at Media@CityofCharlestown.com.
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS
Contact information for New Hope Development Services, Inc.
Jody Heazlitt, President
812-280-2245
Contact information for Infinity Homes and Development, LLC.
Matthew Toole, President
812-590-1270
Contact information for KGF Building & Development
Isaiah Fritz, CEO
502-693-4795